Reading Room XVIII - Of Tethered Goats and Tigers by Tarot

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Hello! This weekend's story is Of Tethered Goats and Tigers by Tarot (different author name if you have an older paper copy), suggested by hagsrus and available to read at Circuit Archive, Hatstand, ProsLib and as the Of Tethered Goats and Tigers zine, Blue Jay Press, 1984.

And I'm going to start off straight away by saying that this story is in my permanent-reads-to-go-back-to-again-and-again, so you might say that I rather like it. *g*

We start off with Doyle, who's recovering from a reasonably minor injury and so is off work, sitting happily in his back yard working on his motorbike. He's covered in grease and sunshine, and when George Cowley appears at his gate, his first thought is that Doyle could perhaps find a cleaner hobby, perhaps stamp collecting! He's there to get Doyle back to work of course, and rather to Doyle's surprise he's been chosen as the agent to pretend he's having an affair with Cowley himself, trying to lure a Russian spy to blackmail him. Doyle is told to tell no one - not even Bodie.

Bodie and Doyle are given a new case to work on together, now that Doyle's back on the active list - recovering some sapphires stolen from the wife of a diplomat while she was having an affair. This gets them mixed up with a rather nasty bloke called Connors, particularly Bodie, who begins dating Connors' twin sister.

To cut a long story short - the lads recover the sapphires, sort out Connors, and generally put the world to rights. Except that in the middle of it, Bodie finds out that Doyle is having an affair with George Cowley, and he reacts rather unexpectedly - as far as Doyle's concerned, but also himself: "What can he give you that I can't?", Bodie demands - and proceeds to seduce Doyle himself.

Doyle of course can't give in to Bodie's demands that he stop seeing Cowley, but he also can't stop himself falling for Bodie's seduction. Other agents are also getting suspicious about Cowley and Doyle, especially as Doyle is put in charge of another operation on his own. Is this the end for Bodie and Doyle as partners? Well of course it's not - the Russian is eventually caught, everything is revealed, and the lads realise that what they want most of all (even more than staying in CI5 if it comes to that) is to carry on their own affair. And so they do. *g*

What I love about this is how well the author has caught everyone. Right from Cowley's "Have you ever considered philately as a hobby?", through Doyle's teasing explanation of his childhood attempt at it, and then through it all, Tarot has got the lads and Cowley perfectly, if you ask me - their voices are just right! Even the lads' romantic relationship fits in perfectly with them also being professionals at work, which isn't always easy to do convincingly.

I like that the story is set up as a case-story (or two, or three!) as the background for the lads' relationship too. It's actually their relationship that I'm always most interested in, but here it's done in a way that fits so beautifully with what we see in the eps that I'm even more convinced by it. The lads aren't their relationship alone, any more than (for me) they're a CI5 operation alone - it's how the two worlds mix that's fascinating.

One thing I always think of when I read this story, is how it crosses over with the world we're in now. In this story (and lots of other Prosfic and in fact the eps!) Bodie goes undercover, dating a girl called Lucy, who may or may not be involved in villainy - it turns out that she's innocent. Way back in 2010/11, it was "revealed" that the police really did go undercover and start relationships as a part of it, and the newspapers broke it as a huge and unacceptable scandal. I'm not at all sure what I really think about it - on the one hand I'd hate to be one of those women, if I'd fallen in love with someone who wasn't who they said they were (and cf Forrest in Man Without a Past - okay, that was seriously long-term, but is there a moral difference?). Can the police go undercover without that sort of thing happening? Where is the line between their identity as police and as humans who meet other humans and fall for them, no matter each other's professions? In Runner Morgan's wife was connected to a major villain, and apparently "Two years ago, I'm everybody's darling because my wife's people have connections with the Organisation. Then Cowley puts me in as a sleeper and I'm risking life and limb. Then everything goes wrong and I'm left carrying the can." That sounds as if it was the other way around - Morgan was accepted into CI5 despite his connections (because of them?) and then used by the higher-ups, hurting everyone in the process. Hmmn...

So - what do you think of this fic? Does it read true to our lads, the eps, real life? Do you believe in it? What do you think of Bodie's undercover assignment as the boyfriend of an innocent woman? Anything else that struck you about this story? *g*

Comments

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

Thanks very much for this review of a long story! I'll try to come back later but for reasons I won't bore you with, I haven't been able to read it again recently. I have read it more than once though, in the past, so with luck I can at least contribute to some of the points.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Hope everything's okay, and that we get to see you back here again later!

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much,

Can the police go undercover without that sort of thing happening? Where is the line between their identity as police and as humans who meet other humans and fall for them, no matter each other's professions?

Yeah, I've wondered about this, especially after the case when one copper lived with a woman for years and might even have had a child with her (I think it's the one you've linked to?). To justify the total disruption to the policeman's life and the ruination of many others, the achievements of his undercover work would have to be great, and I really don't think it's worth it for lesser results. And apart from the morals, it must be a painstakingly slow way to obtain results.

Did I believe in the story? Well, I do remember that years ago I loved, loved it because it was well written, full of action, slash, intrigue etc. but another thing I think I remember was getting slightly irritated by Bodie's reaction to their affair, Bodie's following of them etc. it just seemed to take too long and I can't believe that he could possibly have believed Doyle and Cowley were having an affair! But maybe Tarot made it believable?

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

especially after the case when one copper lived with a woman for years and might even have had a child with her
I linked to the Wiki about the scandal in general, and to be honest I didn't read it all through, but that part of the story must be in it... I remember that part of it, and thinking how heartbreaking it was... Oh wow, and actually this Wiki entry about covert policing (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covert_policing_in_the_United_Kingdom) suggests that more than one police officer had kids while being undercover... Gosh, but it's so tangled, because then I read this According to The Guardian,[7] Kennedy sued the police for ruining his life and failing to "protect" him from falling in love with one of the environmental activists whose movement he infiltrated. It's so hard to call, I think - on the one hand, yeah, what do you need to be doing to justify that kind of... just taking over someone's life, forever, if they fall in love? That's not a temporary thing, even if it ends...

I think I remember was getting slightly irritated by Bodie's reaction to their affair, Bodie's following of them etc. it just seemed to take too long
Hmmn, that's a bit like what ali150son said, which is interesting. I didn't get that slow start from it at all. I wonder if it's to do with the start being with Doyle rather than Bodie, and the different people that we emphathise with... I'm trying to decide, whether I'd be as invested in the story if it was Bodie who'd been in those opening scenes as easily as if it was Doyle... Although B/C is more of a thing that the idea of D/C, so that would have influenced me too.. Hmmmn...

and I can't believe that he could possibly have believed Doyle and Cowley were having an affair!
I think it was the lightness of Tarot's touch that did it for me - and Cowley's, for that matter! Tarot didn't try anything heavy to try and convince anyone, and Cowley also did it with dignity. Even if someone believed that Doyle couldn't love Cowley, I think they'd believe that he might get through it for the sake of ambition... but Tarot also showed that Doyle's sympathy and empathy would take him through, so... I can see how it might have been convincing to Bodie too.

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

I linked to the Wiki about the scandal in general, and to be honest I didn't read it all through, but that part of the story must be in it...

Yes, he was in it, Mark Kennedy, who I remember thinking at the time looked a bit of a low life and very dishonest.

what do you need to be doing to justify that kind of... just taking over someone's life, forever, if they fall in love? That's not a temporary thing, even if it ends....

Something bloody major like avoiding world war 3 or a major nuclear incident?!

I think I remember was getting slightly irritated by Bodie's reaction to their affair, Bodie's following of them etc. it just seemed to take too long
Hmmn, that's a bit like what ali150son said, which is interesting. I didn't get that slow start from it at all.

Not at the beginning but well into the story. I think Bodie was watching them in Cowley's flat from a car? And I was thinking oh please get on with it... confront them! I didn't mind the start at all.

and I can't believe that he could possibly have believed Doyle and Cowley were having an affair!
I think it was the lightness of Tarot's touch that did it for me - and Cowley's, for that matter! Tarot didn't try anything heavy to try and convince anyone, and Cowley also did it with dignity.

Yeah, I can see that, good writing can compensate for a lot of things.

[paris7am.livejournal.com]

Hope you don't mind me jumping in... I am so happy you're here to talk! It is so interesting to me how differently we all respond to things. When you mention surprise that Bodie could believe D/C, I was thinking that it was one of the things that made the slow burn work, for me. He resisted for so long, despite being talked to, stood up, etc. Then, slowly gave way to possibly believing in the promotion theory, and only once he saw D react to C's hands on him did he actually believe, I thought. It's true, though, that he was already thinking about what a perfect set-up it was, and you want to shake him and say, "Yes!? Get it?!" I also wanted him to snoop much sooner, to uncover the mystery person taking up all D's time, but no. Maybe it's more realistic, that he wouldn't... Being all tied up seducing innocent women and all... Sorry. I don't know.

I haven't read the cases you are talking about here, but it makes me feel very bad. Sick. Even though it's def. not the same, it makes me feel like I do when hearing about the people who get held in basements for years... That level of deception is crazy. Even if ends did justify means, the end would have to be bloody huge. In my opinion...

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

I love you jumping in! And thank you, it's good to be here.

Even though it's def. not the same, it makes me feel like I do when hearing about the people who get held in basements for years... That level of deception is crazy

I know. We've got to try and achieve the impossible which is imagining a mind totally different to our minds. It's almost impossible.

(I'm sorry, I don't remember the details of Doyle reacting to Cowley's hands, just the broad outline of the story.)

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Just jumping in to give you the hands bit that I think Paris was talking about (cos I happened to have it open to find easily as I read this!):

Movement, and Cowley stood behind him, close, hands resting light on lean shoulders.
Frozen where he stood, slow fury seething in his stomach, Bodie watched his partner half-turn into the man's arm, still smiling, and Cowley's hand lifted to his face, moved through his hair. Then Cowley reached out and twitched the curtain fully closed.

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this!

I think (because of the scene in Need to Know where Cowley tends to Doyle and Bodie, stroking their hair in a kindly way) that I can imagine this but I really don't want to, not in a sexual way! The author writes the scene very well.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I think we get hints that Cowley can be quite tender - as you say, he strokes them both very gently in Need to Know - but I'm with you, I don't want to imagine him being sexual with either of them, and I've not come across anything yet that suggests he might be...

[paris7am.livejournal.com]

Thank you for posting the quote, byslantedlight. I do agree with you both that it seems very unlikely about Cowley. Particularly with B &D, because it is fairly obvious where their desires spark... On the other hand, my excellence-kink rears up and I think, they really are three of a kind, in a way - the very best. Despite the joking, B and D both seem to respect, admire, and care for C. I think, personally, that C would have a lot of attractive features to them. Even without his tenderness towards them.
The beginning of that C/D scene is important, too. I am so impressed with how in a few sentences Tarot handles this bomb...
Then Ray Doyle appeared in his field of vision, a glass half-full of amber liquid in one hand. His shirt was out of his waistband, unbuttoned, and as he put down the drink, he glanced over his shoulder, uneven features alive with laughter.
For Bodie, feeling frustratingly left out of the glow of Doyle's company and attention? That Doyle would be laughing, be relaxed like that with C? I get it. Ah well. There's good and bad in everyone. From utter loyalty to operation Susies...

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

I won't have anything interesting to say, I think, because I'm just like you: this is on my permanent re-read list, and I love it. As I do all of her stories (except Consequences which wasn't her fault. *g*) You're right, for me at least, their voices and characterizations rang very true to canon. I like how masculine they are, and full of energy--I mean, this is a story where you can see why Cowley keeps a close rein on them. I love that. They are actually dangerous. And then that first sex scene...where it's all raw emotion and sudden realization and bravado with underlying need and desperation.... That is, for me, one of the most successful sex scenes in all of Pros.

So, yeah, not at all objective. I just love this story.

On a side note, I was able to meet the author at a con once, long after she was out of Pros. And it really was like meeting a celebrity in my mind, you know? I mean, I was just...yeah, pleased to be able to tell her how much I enjoyed her stories.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I did wonder how interesting a review I could make for this story, bearing in mind how much I like it (and yes, her other ones too)! *g*

this is a story where you can see why Cowley keeps a close rein on them. I love that. They are actually dangerous.
Yes! That's a great way of describing it too. They're both acting in their own right throughout this, and you can see them straining to do a bit more... Doyle to get Connors, and Bodie.... well, especially Bodie to get Doyle. *g*

How cool that you've met Tarot too! I know just what you mean about fandom-authors-as-celebrities, I still remember meeting O.Yardley! *g*

[paris7am.livejournal.com]

You said, their voices and characterizations rang very true to canon. I like how masculine they are, and full of energy--I mean, this is a story where you can see why Cowley keeps a close rein on them. I love that. They are actually dangerous. And then that first sex scene...where it's all raw emotion and sudden realization and bravado with underlying need and desperation.... That is, for me, one of the most successful sex scenes in all of Pros.
Beautifully put! That masculinity. The way they make their decisions. They're so completely utilizable - weaponized, adaptable, change in mid-air, accomplish whatever they need to.
I will have to go back and re-read the sex scene, now! High praise indeed. :) I remember it being incredible, and different. The livewire incontrovertibleness of it. How D just went, despite the unexpectedness...
Can I ask, which con did you meet Tarot at?

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

It was one of the Z-cons. I think possibly the last one? Must have been the last one. She was into Highlander then, and I enjoyed her stories in that fandom, too.

[paris7am.livejournal.com]

How wonderful! Cons... I miss them so. Never experienced anything to match them. That feeling of coming home, safety, speaking the same language, all being "in" on the unspoken subtext... Such good times.

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

So, you might consider coming to the next BistoCon in early August in Detroit. We're just about to announce the 2020 version. It's a small, Pros-only con!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Fair enough, but... we barely catch a glimpse of Doyle playing chess with Cowley! And Bodie's in it just as much too... Is it more action you'd prefer, maybe? I like this story so much that I'm finding it hard to imagine what might not float someone's boat about it...! *g*

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Okay, the comment that was deleted was from ali15son, and it read "This is another story that doesn't float my boat. I always start with good intentions but no....half way through i give in. It''s the begining part that doesn't grip me and i have to be gripped to carry on, i have tried numerous times but Doyle playing chess is not my thing. Maybe i should jump in at the second part."
That was a perfectly legitimate interesting comment, to which I replied, and I don't know why it was deleted. You can see my reply below.

She then replied again to me "The beginning is too long and thats what puts me off. The excitement is'nt there for me.", which I also think is a fair enough comment, and it matches with something someone else said which was interesting, and again I'm not sure why it was deleted.

I'm afraid I'm getting a bit fed up with people stealing their words back from me. I exist. I spoke. So did you. Own it, people! If you don't want to talk to me, then fair enough, don't - but don't talk to me and then try to pretend that it didn't happen. Your words are real and true and worth saying. Please let them be said.

[ali15son.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry if me deleting my comment offended you but there are reasons that i chose to do that but seeing as i'm here, i always get the feeling that when someone gives a negative response to a story that we disagree on you always assume that (in my case) it's because Bodie isn't in the story enough or (for example) the other time you asked the question "was it because it was Bodie" and that's simply not true. In this story i found the start slow going and that threw me off reading the whole thing. I like my lads to be based on the series and i can't imagine Doyle going into a prison and interrorgating a girl by offering to bring her chocolates in exchange for information even if it was just a thought. So rather that hurt anyone's feelings especially if the author is tuning in i thought it best to delete my thoughts even though this is a group discussion.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

When you delete comments that were part of a conversation with someone else, you're saying that you don't trust what they're talking about, and that what they say to you isn't worth anything. Deleting comments in a conversation is unkind to the other person, whatever your reasons - you're stealing that conversation from them. And these were perfectly good comments, with an interesting point of view, and worth discussing - which is what Reading Room is, it's story discussion (which is different from leaving feedback on a story, which is where you don't expect a response).

If someone doesn't like a story that I like, I think fair enough, and then I try to find out why, because I always like to hear other people's opinions and thoughts. I'm sure we've said this before, too. You are not the only person here that wasn't keen on the story, or parts of it, and if you read the rest of the discussion (other people's comments) then you'll see that I also asked someone else whether they might have liked it better if it had been Bodie-focused. Some people prefer stories from the point of view of one or other of the lads - you're well-known as a Bodie/LC fan, above and beyond anything else, and so I wondered if that was the case here. If it wasn't, then it's fine to say so, and we can move on to thinking about other reasons.

For instance - it's interesting hearing what you find unrealistic about the story - it never occured to me that it was unrealistic of Doyle to bring Patty chocolates in exchange for information (mostly because I thought it was more of a kindness on his part - she gave him information, he felt sorry for her because he believed she was innocent, and so he brought her something she asked for as a thank you). We all read things differently, and the point of discussion at the Reading Room is to hear and talk about all those different ways. How will we ever understand each other if we don't talk?

So rather that hurt anyone's feelings especially if the author is tuning in i thought it best to delete my thoughts even though this is a group discussion.
We did have a poll/decide that we wouldn't discuss stories where it was likely that the author was tuning in, so you don't need to worry about that. I don't think this particular author has ever been on lj, and as far as I know, she's never been to this comm.

[ali15son.livejournal.com]

That's not how i see it, as regards to trusing other people in what they say and i'm sorry if that comes over into your way of thinking and in that poll i made it clear that i wouldn't want to upset anyone's feelings on here especially any author (if they tune in or not) . I did read the rest of the comments and saw what was discussed and again i apologise if me deleting my comment offended you.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Okay.

But please don't delete any more comments that you make in this comm - your views are perfectly fine and valid, and it is upsetting to the other person in the conversation when you do that (not just to me).

[ali15son.livejournal.com]

Don't worry i wont be joining in any more discussions.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Well, as ever it's up to you.

[ali15son.livejournal.com]

Exactly.

[paris7am.livejournal.com]

I love this story too. Such a pleasure to read, with the bittersweet burn of the rift between Bodie and Doyle (and Cowley). I don't know how you do it, byslantedlight, introducing these stories with clarity and charm and even brevity! In your place, I think I would rival the length of the story itself in trying to explain and describe! Thank you for doing this for us.

A few bits that stood out for me on this reading:

Characterization - such deftness with the banter, the humor, the masculinity

Doyle - I really fell hard again for him, stuck in this ridiculous situation, but handling it with his beautiful brand of maturity and grace. He is remarkable in this story. During the meet with the Russian, when the spy says he wants Doyle, I jumped straight to "in his bed"! That's how attractive I find him here. One more? Why not! I love how the author shows him considering the stereotypical responses and reactions that might be used to drive a normal plot along, at first being fun and games, but then growing in seriousness and depth, and he discards them and chooses the path that is right for him (and Bodie). The scene Bodie witnesses with him and Cowley - it is so vivid and beautiful, I fall for him again and again.

Bodie - another lovely portrayal - showing his broken bits, but in a way that you understand and forgive. I can get put off by too much macho, and he's all that here! but Tarot pulls it off in such a way that it works.

Cowley - ach he is perfect! Sterling. The platonic form of Cowley. Lovely, unassailable, invincible yet inspiring such protectiveness...

Secondary characters - the other agents, Cow's secretary, the different people they interact with - I love that they become real, they play a role.

I have a problem with the whole "have sex with women all you want but no other man but me" trope. I struggle with this. Perhaps it actually was realistic for their occupation and situation? I haven't been in a situation anywhere near theirs! Maybe it's the misogynistic tone of it? But it irks me.

Seducing innocent people? It really should irk me! Instead, I get irritated by Bodie being so chuffed that he's got her making him breakfast! In this particular plot, I got inklings that more was going on between the twins than we were told. That Bodie's presence was protecting her somehow from the evil twin. And of course, Bodie does feel bad himself and tries to address the harm done, which eases my conscience... I have to laugh at myself sometimes - I am obsessed with these men, in this show, doing these things, when in reality I would be protesting in the streets against a lot of it, I think? I tend to blur politics and be blind to correctness, but women's issues still do rear up for me (unexpectedly!?). Not in this one, though. Shakes head at self.

As I said before, I could matter on at l e n g t h ... Stopping here. I know I will have more to add.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I had to consciously make myself be brief, to be honest - and it was hard! But when I'm longer I don't have your lovely poetry about reviews, so I hope you'll do more of them for us, because I think yours a just beautiful in their own right, never mind just as discussion-prompts! *g*

Doyle - I really fell hard again for him, stuck in this ridiculous situation, but handling it with his beautiful brand of maturity and grace.
He does do that! But I think we see other sides of him too - I love him teasing Cowley with the story of feeding his stamp collection to the dog in a temper (well, he doesn't say it was a temper, but that's surely what it was from what we know of Doyle! Although I do worry about that dog...). It's such an unconsciously calculated story, to rile Cowley's sense of proprietry! *g* And then he's quite vicious about wanting Connors too - above and beyond just bringing him to justice, I think he smacks of... not revenge exactly, because it's for someone else, but... he seems to want him to suffer as well as be brought to justice. And both those things make him very human to me, which I love!

Bodie too - even his slightly-misogynist self (which we totally see in the eps, bemoaning his "cojones" in First Night, for instance!) expecting Lucy to make him tea... although I wonder if he'd also expect it of Doyle, it's just that Doyle would never give in and do it. Well, unless he wanted to. *g* So maybe it's less of a misogynistic thing, and more of a lazy-Bodie-taking-advantage-cos-he-knows-he-can-usually-get-away-with-it!

I have a problem with the whole "have sex with women all you want but no other man but me" trope.
Yeah, me too in a way - it smacks a bit of WNGWJLEO... I can stretch to it by thinking that it's because they know they need to keep up a smoke screen that they're het, because of the times, and what they do. It would really be more unrealistic of them to be outwardly being abstemious and loyal only to each other...

In this particular plot, I got inklings that more was going on between the twins than we were told. That Bodie's presence was protecting her somehow from the evil twin.
Oh, interesting... My impression was that Connors was controlling Lucy, and that she certainly needed to be free of him so that she could live her own life, but I wasn't see more than that. Did you have an inkling of what more it might have been?

I know just what you mean about blurring the lines for Pros - I wouldn't condone half the stuff they do "in the common good", and yet somehow I suspend my outrage for them... *g*

[paris7am.livejournal.com]

You are very very kind about my reviews... Thank you! I generally pick them apart until I see mostly flaws - so thank you.

Doyle- other sides of him too - I love him teasing Cowley... And then he's quite vicious about wanting Connors too ... those things make him very human to me, which I love!
Yes, excellent points. There are some very very humorous parts - "And then he wondered what Bodie's reaction would be when it dawned on him that he, Doyle, had suddenly become as queer as a nine quid note, and was having it off with Cowley, of all people. Laughing like a drain, he went up to the bedroom..."

Bodie - more of a lazy-Bodie-taking-advantage-cos-he-knows-he-can-usually-get-away-with-it! Could be, you're right.

it smacks a bit of WNGWJLEO... I can stretch to it by thinking that it's because they know they need to keep up a smoke screen that they're het, because of the times, and what they do. It would really be more unrealistic of them to be outwardly being abstemious and loyal only to each other... Again, I agree with your point. Still, it irks. Bodie certainly doesn't seem to be seeing the finer points when he talks about it!

more was going on between the twins than we were told
I have no text to back up my thoughts about it - it just felt as though Connor's obsession with her went far beyond scaring off boyfriends and leant toward wanting her for himself. Like that was part of his ultimate plan.

[heliophile-oxon.livejournal.com]

I don't think he wants her sexually, but he does want (and believe he should quite rightly have) 100% total control of her. Connor has all the qualities of a perfect villain - arrogant and completely self-centred to the point of sociopathy! He knows (thinks he knows) he's the most intelligent man in the room at all times - women, including his twin sister, are not only not intelligent, they're not really people at all to him. In fact I suspect he's the only actual person in his own mental universe, and everyone else is essentially a puppet; he hugely enjoys threatening and using physical violence (fully intending to permanently and severely damage his sister's flatmate and later Bodie), and he's absolutely careless of his own accomplices - who he despises - as well as of his sister who he regards as a sort of appendage to himself. So he's the perfect villain to get his come-uppance, and the scene where Doyle rescues Bodie and takes Connor down physically is hugely satisfying; in fact I could wish it were just a tiny bit longer, to get the full enjoyment of the moment!

This is also one of my re-read over and over again fics, and the one I would make into a feature-length episode if I could magically transform the universe so that that had happened *g* because it reads and feels to me just like an ep - the period attitudes and behaviours (especially Bodie and his casual sexism here, but Doyle too), the characterisations, the dialogue, the pacing, the action, the interweaving of sub-plots, it's all pretty much perfect! The favourite ep that was never filmed *vbg*

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I don't think he wants her sexually, but he does want (and believe he should quite rightly have) 100% total control of her
Yes, this! That's how I read it too, and your beautiful summary of Connors' personality and character. I think it fits with the proper medical definition of a psychopath - totally lacking any empathy or understanding of other people... Which would perhaps help to explain how he and his twin are such very different characters (not that twins are the same characters in general!) - there's presumably very little effect from nurture in Connors, it's all in his in-built nature...

And yes, too, for the idea of this being one of my favourite eps that was never filmed! It's got just that quality for me too! *g*

[paris7am.livejournal.com]

As BSL said, "YES, THIS!" You've managed to cut right to the heart of it and line up all the nefarious floating niggles I was trying to sort out. Awesome points. I especially thank you for bringing up the satisfaction of Doyle getting Connors! And how this would make a great episode. Yes!

[jat-sapphire.livejournal.com]

I agree with you so much that I could have written this myself! Please do go on.

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!
Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ (https://www.dreamwidth.org/support/faqbrowse?faqid=303).

[bodie24.livejournal.com]

I really like this story. It's well written and as others have said, the characters all just 'fit'.
It could easily have been a real episode plot! (aside from the minor slash element, that is! ;-) )
There's plots and sub plots. Intrigue and slow burn. Just what you want in a good yarn.
Although some people have observed Bodie's realisation is on the slow side, it didn't bother me at all. In fact, I preferred it as I think the writer has written it from a canon perspective. Certainly, that's how I read it (because of all of the above), so I think it right that his initial suspicions don't immediately lead him to that conclusion.
I also like the fact that the slash element is not the primary plot and nor are any of the scenes gratuitous, which they frequently are.
I also like that the characterisations are bang on when compared to the TV series. I've never quite understood why people write stories about Bodie & Doyle when the characters are completely different to the original. May as well call the characters Bill & Ted and be done with it, in those stories!
I guess I'm in the minority again, though, (along with my preference for het stories) :-) Hey ho...

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

It could so/i> have been an actual episode (including the slash element, if you ask me - they just probably wouldn't have filmed that bit... *g*)

I agree about Bodie's realisation too, I think the pace of it fits canon really well, and is probably realistic in general too. We don't always see things as they are straight away, especially when all the evidence seems against it, even when it's something we don't want to believe to start with.

I've never quite understood why people write stories about Bodie & Doyle when the characters are completely different to the original. May as well call the characters Bill & Ted and be done with it, in those stories!
Yeah, I agree here too! Sometimes it's because authors haven't actually seen any of the eps (it took me ages to get my head around how that was even possible, but it's true!) And other times I guess it's just that we all have different ideas about what we see in the eps to start with, and different interpretations are going to come out as different characters in stories. I know when I'm writing the lads I can hear them saying things as the lads I see in the eps and then imagine them - but then when I read something like this story, I feel like I'm way off character with them! So I don't think you're in a minority as regards wanting the lads to be the episode-lads, it's just that everyone's got a different idea about who those lads are...

The het thing I'm not touching, though! *vbg*

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

I'm totally amazed I don't think I've ever read it before...How? Why? where was I? *g* I really really enjoyed it, for all the reasons already mentioned. And I love your thoughts on it too.

Thank you for suggesting it - and although it's a longer fic it wasn't too much to get in to a week. Maybe we can tackle longer fics every so often, giving a couple of weeks to read?

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm so jealous that you've just read this for the first time! It's so fab to still be finding the best, brilliant Pros fic... *vbg*

We keep going back and forth about longer fics in Reading Room! I guess we'll just see what comes up in suggestions, like with this one. *g* (It was hagsrus who suggested this one though, I can't take any credit for it!)